Andy Murray Has His Say

World Number one Andy Murray, believes that players returning to the game following a ban, due to substance abuse should have to work their way back to the top. The tennis ace has expressed his views following wildcards that have been given to Maria Sharapova for up and coming competitions in Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome.

Andy Murray speaks out!

Andy Murray speaks out, knowing that when Sharapova returns to the game after a fifteen month ban, she will be used to headline various events.

The reigning Wimbledon Champion does not agree with Wildcards being issued to players. They should earn their place in the competitions. However, he added that most tournament officials would vote to do what they thought was best for their contests.

Prolific players like Sharapova are likely to draw in the larger crowds. Therefore it stands to reason to believe that any decisions made would be done so on the premise that they could sell more tickets.

The Russian WTA player was awarded a two year suspension after she tested positive for a banned substance in January of last year. Following appeals, on the basis that she was unaware her medication at the time contained said banned substance, her suspension from the professional game was later reduced.

There are those that believe it was Sharapova’s responsibility to know what her medication contained and therefore it was only right that she was made an example of. Any kind of substance ingestion in the sport must be taken very seriously. The five time Grand Slam winner, has certainly been made an example of, arguably at the peak of her career.

Moving towards the future the question now being asked is will she be granted a place at the Wimbledon Championships? Having won the competition in 2004 Sharapova no longer has a world ranking. If she comes back on form then she could potentially play her way in, and not need a Wildcard for Wimbledon.

When asked for his opinion Murray, explained that Sharapova could improve her ranking to such an extent, that she doesn’t need to be invited to play in the highly anticipated tournament. If she isn’t able to do that however, the decision then becomes Wimbledon’s. It won’t be an easy decision to make. The Scottish tennis star, believes that Wimbledon officials will have to think long and hard about how they feel their final decision on the matter is received. Murray has every faith that ultimately the right choice will be made.